In Your Bedroom
These days teenagers are likely to have 25% more electrical products in your bedroom than your parents’ generation did. Our simple advice will help you to stay safe as well as protecting your gadgets!
Safe charging
When you are charging your smart phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices, it is important to charge them on a hard surface, rather than putting them under your pillows or on the bed. Never use a cheap charger as these are often poorly made and are a fire risk. Plug your charger straight into the wall socket rather than using adaptors and extension leads.
Switch off your gadgets
Save the Planet, keep yourself safe (and save money!). By switching off your electrical gadgets when they’re not in use, you’ll help your parents save money on electricity bills, conserve energy, and reduce the risk of an electrical fire.
Computers and games consoles
Leaving drinks, or other liquids, on or near a TV or computer (or other electrical appliances) can be dangerous. If spilt, the liquid could drip into the appliance and cause a fire, or give you an electric shock.
Overloading sockets
Plugging in more than one electrical gadget at a time can cause overheating and fire. If you need more sockets and have to use an adaptor, get a bar adaptor - which is safer - or better still, ask your parents about getting some additional sockets put in.
Trailing cables
Trailing cables under carpets, rugs or across walkways is a major hazard. Not only can you trip over them, they are also a potential fire risk. Repeated stretching and treading on the cable may damage its insulation.
Changing a light bulb
If you are supposed to use a 40Watt bulb with your bedside lamp or other light fittings, don’t use one with a higher wattage, as this can increase the risk of fire.
Heaters
Drying clothes over an electric heater can be dangerous. If water gets into the heater or if the ventilation slots are covered up, the heater could overheat and catch fire or you could get an electric shock.
Lamps
Don’t hang any materials over bedside lamps. They could set alight and cause a fire.
